Monday, January 14, 2008
A JAPANESE OFFER TO CLEAN UP OUR RIVERS
Here's a bit of good news: according to a Manila Bulletin report, the Saitama Prefecture of Japan has offered to assist the Philippine government in cleaning up our heavily polluted rivers, including the Pasig River.
Speaking on behalf of Saitama Prefecture, Hiroshi Yasuda, claims they have the experience and success in cleaning up and reviving its once polluted Kyu-shiba River and would like to share its technical know-how in doing the same for our biologically dead rivers such as the Pasig, Marikina, San Juan, Navotas-Tenejeros-Tullahan, and Paranaque rivers.
"This offer is most welcome and I am urging our government to avail of it," said Sen. Loren Legarda, chairwoman and founder of the environmental organization Luntiang Pilipinas.
posted by Señor Enrique at 8:08 AM
24 Comments:
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said... Not only is our government ïnutil, but the ordinary people are ruthless and bent in destroying our natural resources and polluting the environment.
Cleaning up our rivers and our land is not enough. There had to be a massive campaign and education for preservation, recycling and full enforcement of the law that forbids dumping harsh and toxic wastes that pollute our waters, air we breathe and the land we live.-
Wil said... The article states that many prior efforts to clean up the Pasig were tried but all have failed. Of course, I'm glad the Japanese are willing to help, but I'm wondering what is different with their program versus programs from years past. Details, details.
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ScroochChronicles said...
That is good news. Now, if only somebody can figure out how to get those squattters by the riverbanks (and under the bridges) to transfer. Or at least not throw their garbage in the rivers. Same goes for everyone else :)
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carlotta1924 said...
this is really good news! i've watched a show about japan which featured a similar issue like this. if i remember correctly, the people simply made sure to plant lots of trees by the riverbanks. the show is called japan video topics weeknights on ibc 13.
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pusa said...
that's great news! just experienced the pasig river ferry ride last last week and i loved it... i really hope they can really clean up the river minus the political yadda yadda.
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said...
Great news. If they can make these rivers navigable for oublic transportation in order the alleviate the diablolical traffic and
curtail emissions - much better !-
said...
a pasig river clean up was initiated by ming ramos during her husband's term. it wasn't successful apparently.
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Unknown said...
I hope the gov't would accept the offer. When Ramos was president, cleaning up the Pasig River was one of the first lady's top priority projects. I remember Navy boats combing the river day and night. But as long as the residents living along the river banks keep throwing their thrash at the river, no amount of expertise and dedication would clean it up.
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said...
Good news are hard to come by... And this is definitely one if it's true!
hope it materializes!
btw, any news on that scanned NATGEO pages, Eric?-
nutart said...
I know of someone who had traced the Pasig River to be as old as the Old rivers of the world...gosh i forget the details, but then this means that this our very own Mutya ng Pasig deserves to be given its long long overdue "consecration."
I grew up in a place overlooking the Pasig River and whenever I pass the old flour mill near the C5 I get really nostalgic. I have witnessed this river in its most polluted state even!
There is a Japanese scientist with the name of Masaru Emoto who wrote books on the amazing nature of water. He delves on not just the physical aspect of water like it being H2O but that he maintains that with deep spiritual thoughts and prayers concentrated on the even the most polluted waters, it will purify! Amazing, but true. Emoto's evidence are the crystals he was able to photograph of the different rivers of the world. Hope the Japanese who will help with the cleansing of the Pasig River has Emoto's philosophy in mind too!-
Señor Enrique said...
That's a very intriguing story about Masaru Emoto, Bernadette. Thank you for sharing :)
Not really sure when the Pasig River was declared biologically dead, but it seemed a healthy and thriving river when I was a kid and before I lfet for the States.
Nonetheless, I hope tha Japaense can really help in reviving it, including our other rivers.-
Señor Enrique said...
I hope so, too, Rey. I've a feeling that we will eventually see our rivers cleaned up and revived to a healthy and thriving state as they were once.
As for the NATGEO feature on the Philippines, many thanks to our friend, Noypete and her niece and her husband who flew the DVD to Manila. Yes, he's an airline pilot :)
Will let you know, Rey, once we have everything archived and ready to be viewed online :)-
Señor Enrique said...
But isn't she the head of Clean & Green Foundation, Luna? From what I understand, they're still actively working in cleaning up the river. But then again, I may be wrong.
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Señor Enrique said...
There was also a major effort during Erap's administration, Anonymous, but everything got shelved after he got booted out of office.
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Señor Enrique said...
The ferry service now offers stops between Escolta and Guadalupe, BW. Additional stops are being developed uyp to Marikina.
Yes, if successful, these boats can provide tremendous service for some of our Metro Manila commuters.-
Señor Enrique said...
Amen, Pusa. The last thing we need is to get this whole thing politicized.
I've enever on it, yet. I'm waiting for the day when I can take it all the way to Marikina :)-
Señor Enrique said...
Wow! That's fascinating, Carla. I really hope that our rivers get cleaned up and revived before I leave this planet ... hehehe.
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Señor Enrique said...
I think there's a vigorous effort going on to relocate our city's squatters, Scrooch. But yes, there should be stiff fines imposed on those who dump their waste into our rivers.
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Señor Enrique said...
We may have to wait it out for now, Wil. But if the Japanese were successful in reviving their river, perhaps, they can do the same here in Metro manila -- to begin with :)
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Señor Enrique said...
I totally agree with you, Anonymous!
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said...
That's good news! Hopefully the rivers will be clean and that everyone would care to not pollute them anymore.
:D-
Señor Enrique said...
I do share your hopes and wishes on this one, Kyels :)
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gmirage said...
I remember too well the 'Piso para sa Pasig' Campaign...I had an alkansiya for that! Aside from Ming Ramos, I remember watching sa Chikiting Patrol (maybe or another kid's show) about some kids sent to Germany who learned about the revival of some rivers there...wonder what could have happened their plans...
Then I remember some people coming by our house selling products (much like tupperware) I forgot the name...they were selling this filter thing that makes 'daw' the water from dirty canals...clean! I doubt it but they said they even tasted the cleaned water from the filter =( I thought why not make a big version of it and have the pasig river cleaned...bleeh thoughts of an ignorant kid lol.
Anyway, Nihonjin have the know how in such technologies, we can only say then, Yoroshiku onegaishimasu! (The pleasure is ours) ;-)-
Señor Enrique said...
Arigato, G. Mirage :)
Urbano de la Cruz commented on my Manila's Estero System that reviving dead rivers is indeed possible and the technology does exist.
I really hope we can clean up and revive once and for all our dead waterways, G. Mirage.
